WCBA Board Meeting Minutes

Meeting minutes are the official written record of what took place during a meeting.

In short, meeting minutes protect the organization and keep everyone aligned on what was discussed, decided, and assigned

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Meeting Minutes Overview

President: Carolyn Beko, Redmond Rare Coins, cb@redmondrarecoins.com
Vice-President: Bryan Geraghty, Northgate Rare Coins, bryangeraghty@outlook.com
Treasurer: David Anderson, Goldmine, daa906@yahoo.com
Secretary: Craig Rhyne, WA Gold Exchange, craig@washingtongoldexchange.com
Membership Chairman: Jake Graham, American Coin & Vault, jake@americancoinandvault.com
Lobbyists: Mark Gjurasic and Chester Baldwin, mgjurasic@lobbywa.com and chet@lobbywa.com

Send contributions / dues to:
WCBA, c/o Goldmine
3107 56th St.
Gig Harbor, WA 98335

May 13, 2026

 

WCBA Board Meeting Notes — May 13, 2026

Legislative & Advocacy Updates

  • Continued planning for 2027 legislative strategy and sponsor outreach
  • Carolyn provided updates on outreach to Sen. Dhingra’s office and local lawmakers
  • Discussed upcoming June 1 Spokane meeting with Sen. Riccelli
  • Mark following up with legislators regarding future sponsorship opportunities
  • Continued discussions regarding Rep. Amy Walen’s role as prime sponsor and evaluating additional sponsor options
  • Mark reported ongoing outreach to Department of Revenue regarding tax revenue projections and implementation

Membership Conference Planning

  • Agreed to hold membership conference on June 17 from 4:00–6:00 PM via Zoom
  • Goal is a concise, high-value event focused on: legislative updates, membership engagement, and fundraising/support
  • Most important content targeted for approximately 4:30–5:30 PM
  • Potential speakers discussed: David Crenshaw, supportive lawmakers, Department of Revenue representatives, national industry representatives

Membership & Fundraising

  • Agreed that regular monthly updates to members/supporters are important
  • Carolyn to draft monthly update for review
  • Membership renewals should remain personal while WCBA is still relatively small: phone call/update first, renewal letter follow-up afterward
  • Membership and fundraising efforts to be coordinated between Treasurer David and Membership Director Jake
  • Jake to begin donor/member follow-up outreach

Website, Marketing & Printed Materials

  • Discussed website cleanup and updates; board members asked to review and submit suggestions
  • Need for improved printed materials for shops and outreach: half-sheets, cards/flyers
  • Carolyn to coordinate printing options
  • Carolyn plans to establish a WCBA MailChimp account for organizational continuity

Bylaws & Board Structure

  • Discussed bylaw revisions after first year of operations
  • Proposed updates include: fiscal/membership structure adjustments, voting rights for full members, clarification of board eligibility requirements
  • Jake to help coordinate bylaw review process; all board members asked to review and suggest changes

Financial & Administrative

  • Discussed upcoming renewal of lobbying/services contract with Mark’s firm
  • Mark to provide updated contract proposal before end of May
  • David to send updated donor/contribution spreadsheet to board

Key Action Items

Carolyn: Contact potential conference speakers · Draft monthly update/donation email · Coordinate new printed materials · Purchase MailChimp account · Follow up with Todd Hughes regarding possible involvement

Jake: Follow up with contributors and prospective attendees · Coordinate outreach for Riccelli meeting · Assist with bylaw review

David: Provide updated donor/contribution tracking spreadsheet

Mark: Coordinate speaker outreach · Continue legislative outreach · Send updated contract proposal · Continue DOR follow-up efforts

Next Meeting: May 27, 2026 at 5:15 PM

WCBA Board Meeting Summary

Legislative Strategy (2027 Session)

  • Focus on 105-day session starting January 2027
  • Plan to reintroduce bill ~30 days before session
  • Shift away from Rep. Amy Walen as primary sponsor
  • New sponsor targets: Rep. April Berg, Rep. Mari Leavitt
  • Continued Senate support from Sen. Riccelli
  • Emphasis on building relationships ahead of elections (all House seats up)

Lobbying & Lawmaker Outreach

  • Mark/Chet planning ~40 legislator meetings over next 7 months
  • Strategy includes small group lunches + targeted 1:1 meetings
  • Priority outreach to committee chairs and leadership (Ways & Means, Finance)
  • Board members to engage legislators within their own districts
  • Mark/Chet to provide prioritized lawmaker target list

Department of Revenue / Rulemaking

  • Engage in DOR rulemaking process for new tax implementation
  • Plan Zoom meeting with Tyler (rulemaking contact)
  • Mark/Chet coordinating meeting with Steve Ewing (DOR)
  • Opportunity to clarify gaps in tax implementation details

Fundraising & Membership

  • Immediate need to restart fundraising and member engagement
  • First 90 days critical for revenue generation
  • Membership renewal aligned with new fiscal year (July 1)
  • Led jointly by Treasurer David and Membership (Jake)
  • Renewal approach: personal outreach first
    • Phone call with update and clear ask
    • Followed by formal renewal letter
  • Carolyn to draft membership/supporter update letter

Fiscal Year Change

  • Approved shift from Jan–Dec → July–June
  • Allows better alignment for renewals and annual meeting
  • Requires bylaw amendment (2/3 approval + 30 days notice)

Board Structure & Roles

  • Discussed expanding eligibility for board membership
  • Potential bylaw updates to include non-store operators with licenses
  • Possible role shifts:
    • Legislative liaison role expansion
    • Membership leadership support (potential Todd Hughes involvement)
  • Continued focus on improving administrative efficiency (AI, email systems)

Key Action Items

Carolyn

  • Draft membership/fundraising letter (review with Mark/Chet, send via Reeve)
  • Schedule meetings with:
    • Rep. April Berg
    • Sen. Dhingra (via Daisy or alternate route)
  • Share board member districts list with Mark/Chet
  • Edit and finalize meeting minutes
  • Support (not lead) membership renewal and annual meeting planning

Mark/Chet

  • Coordinate legislator meetings and outreach strategy
  • Provide prioritized lawmaker target list
  • Schedule meetings with:
    • Mari Leavitt, Addison Richards, Riccelli
    • Derek Stanford
    • Steve Ewing (DOR)
  • Organize rulemaking Zoom meeting with Tyler
  • Advise on fundraising expectations for legislator events

Jake (Membership) & David (Treasurer)

  • Lead membership renewal and fundraising efforts
  • Execute personal outreach strategy (call → letter follow-up)
  • Coordinate donor tracking and outreach
  • Drive early-cycle engagement (first 90 days critical)

Jake

  • Coordinate attendance for Riccelli meeting (Dealer Network)

Team

  • Begin membership renewal + fundraising push immediately
  • Review bylaw updates within 30 days
  • Prepare for next meeting: May 13 at 5:15 PM

Present: Carolyn Beko, David Anderson, Jake Graham, Craig Rhyne

Meeting Time: 5:15 PM – 6:00 PM

  • Carolyn provided administrative updates, including sharing the updated donation tracking workbook and coordinating follow-up items with board members.
  • Craig Rhyne informed the board of his relocation out of Washington State and stepped down from the board. The board expressed appreciation for his contributions.
  • Treasurer David Anderson reported a bank balance of approximately $5,098. Recent donations were primarily from board members, and the need to increase participation from other dealers was discussed.
  • The board discussed ongoing expenses, including lobbying services, and the importance of prioritizing available funds.
  • Legislative strategy was reviewed, with continued focus on restoring the sales tax exemption on precious metals.
  • Targeted Tier 1 legislators were identified as members of Senate Ways & Means and leadership, and House Finance and leadership.
  • The board discussed increasing outreach to legislators and continuing engagement ahead of the next session.
  • Jake Graham will request the March lobbying report and follow up with Mark Gjurasic regarding Department of Revenue data being gathered by Steve Ewing.
  • Industry updates were discussed, including recent legislative developments in Maryland and the reversal of sales tax on precious metals.
  • Current business conditions were noted, with retail sales reported as significantly decreased under the current tax structure.
  • The board discussed identifying a replacement board member and noted a potential candidate for Secretary. Feedback will be gathered before moving forward.
  • Next board meeting to be scheduled via group text.

Submitted by Carolyn Beko

Washington Coin & Bullion Association

President:  Carolyn Beko, Redmond Rare Coins, cb@redmondrarecoins.com

Vice-president:  Bryan Geraghty, Northgate Rare Coins, bryangeraghty@outlook.com

Treasurer:  David Anderson, Goldmine, daa906@yahoo.com

Secretary:  Craig Rhyne, WA Gold Exchange, craig@washingtongoldexchange.com

Membership Chairman:  Jake Graham, American Coin & Vault, jake@americancoinandvault.com

Lobbyists:  Mark Gjurasic and Chester Baldwin, mgjurasic@lobbywa.com and chet@lobbywa.com [Lobby Washington]

Send contributions / dues to:  WCBA, c/o Goldmine, 3107 56th St., Gig Harbor, WA 98335

 

Minutes of 5:15 pm Zoom Board of Directors meeting 

March 25, 2026

  1. Present: Carolyn Beko, Bryan Geraghty, Craig Rhyne, David Anderson, and Jake Graham.
  2. We discussed the failed result of our legislative efforts to reinstate the sales tax exemption, including a review of possible things we could have done better.
  3. Craig and Jake noted that we lost just like every other organization asking for reinstatement of our exemption, yet it seems one organization was successful. Neither thought we could have done more, and Craig pointed out it took three years to get our exemption passed, in years 1983 to 1985. 
  4. There was discussion about whether or not Mark and Chet worked hard enough, and Carolyn wants us to be more definitive about “deliverables” with them, with a formal Request for Proposal document for renegotiating with current or future lobbying representation.  Craig pointed out how Mark is on contract with Chet, who is the sole owner of Lobby Washington.
  5. Treasurer David previously texted us a copy of the one-year contract with Lobby Washington that ends May 31, 2026.
  6. David reported our bank balance is roughly $3,000, and we are current with our lobbying bill through March.
  7. Jake has indicated that he will raise more funds to continue our work. He mentioned Joe Mann, and Gary? At Tri-City Vault.
  8. Craig, Jake and Bryan all suggested that we simply renegotiate a new contract with Lobby Washington, with Craig and Bryan pointing out that we cannot afford the current $5,000 fee per month. Instead, Bryan (and/or Jake) suggested we ask Lobby Washington for another year of service for $3,000 per month when the legislature is not in session, $5,000 per month when the legislature is in session.
  9. Besides getting the current board minutes sent out, Craig needs to get Carolyn’s report to WCBA members sent out and to Reeve for our website. [reeve@buildlaunch.com]. 
  10. There was a discussion about needing updated Bylaws, and the need to involve other WCBA members in our work to lighten the load on the Board. We discussed having Subcommittees, such as a Fundraising Committee.
  11. We discussed the need to meet with key legislators between now and the next legislative session.
  12.  Carolyn suggested we establish 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year Board terms so that the rotation would give continuity and involve more WCBA members.
  13. We closed the meeting without setting our next Board meeting.

 

Submitted 3/30/26 by Secretary Craig Rhyne

Present: Carolyn Beko, Bryan Geraghty, Craig Rhyne, Mark Gjurasic (lobbyist), Chester Baldwin (lobbyist), David Anderson, Jake Graham.

  • Carolyn received letters from three former U.S. Mint Directors recommending reinstatement of the tax exemption on precious metals and coins. Copies were sent to various Representatives and Senators, including Senator Dhingra and Rep. Amy Walen.

  • Jake left voicemails and texted Senator Marcus Riccelli requesting a hearing; however, no hearing was granted.

  • Mark reported that the legislature passed an $80 billion budget, and WCBA did not receive a hearing in the House or Senate. A reconciliation of the House and Senate bills will occur before the final bill is expected by the end of session on March 12th.

  • Mark stated there is less than a 10% chance of relief this session. Continued meetings with Rep. Walen, Sen. Riccelli, and others are critical before the next session begins in January 2027.

  • Treasurer David Anderson reported a bank balance of approximately $3,000; lobbying bills are current through March.

  • Budget writers for the final bill must be contacted to request inclusion of the tax exemption — the last opportunity for relief this session.

  • Chester Baldwin identified approximately eight legislators/staff who could influence the final budget in the remaining days: Sen. Riccelli, Sen. Jamie Pedersen, Sen. Bob Hasegawa, Sen. Manka Dhingra, Sen. June Robinson, Rep. Timm Ormsby, Rep. April Berg, Rep. Lisa Callan Connors (if intended to be Connors), Rep. Mike Springer, and Sen. Noel Frame. The list was divided among board members for final appeals.

  • Send photos and website corrections to Reeve Normandia at reeve@buildlaunch.com.

  • Next board meeting: Tuesday, March 10th at 5:15 pm (Zoom). Invitations to be sent by Mark G.

Submitted 3/4/26 by Secretary Craig Rhyne

Present: Carolyn Beko, Bryan Geraghty, Craig Rhyne, Mark Gjurasic (lobbyist), Chester Baldwin (lobbyist), David Anderson, Jake Graham.

  • Carolyn spoke with Rep. Amy Walen regarding the fiscal impact of sales tax on precious metals and coins. The Department of Revenue must be lobbied regarding inaccurate revenue projections.

  • Corrections are needed to the Executive Summary and Legislative Update before posting to the website and sending via newsletter. The Action Alert must reflect that the Dept. of Revenue projected $56.1 million in revenue over two years from taxing coin dealers.

  • A letter was sent to Kate Armstrong to correct misinformation regarding tax projections considered by the Ways & Means Committee.

  • Mark, Jake, and Carolyn are continuing calls to Rep. Walen and Sen. Riccelli requesting hearings.

  • The WCBA Executive Summary and Pat Heller article, “Resisting Rollbacks of Coin / Precious Metals Sales Tax Exemptions,” should be sent to all State Representatives and Senators.

  • Treasurer David Anderson reported sufficient funds to remain current on lobbying bills.

  • Reeve Normandia is working with Jake Graham and Bryan Geraghty so their company websites reflect support of WCBA efforts.

  • Carolyn reported that a letter from three former U.S. Mint Directors will be sent to Washington legislators recommending reinstatement of the exemption.

  • Dealers are encouraged to contact legislators regarding lost sales due to the tax imposed 1/1/2026 and to explain that revenue projections are erroneous.

  • Next meeting: Tuesday, March 3rd at 5:15 pm (Zoom). Invitations to be sent by Mark G.

Submitted 3/4/26 by Secretary Craig Rhyne

Present: Carolyn Beko, Bryan Geraghty, Craig Rhyne, Mark Gjurasic (lobbyist), David Anderson, Jake Graham, Reeve Normandia (guest, website).

  • Reeve is assisting members in promoting WCBA efforts on their individual company websites.

  • Carolyn requested a current legislative update from Mark Gjurasic to post on the website and include in a newsletter.

  • Discussion regarding upcoming state Revenue Projection due 2/20/2026. An earlier projection reported a budget shortfall of approximately $5+ million.

  • David Crenshaw and Dan Duncan organized an update/appeal to approximately 747,000 “Grey Sheet” subscribers. Dan is covering the $1,500 cost.

  • Mark, Jake, and Carolyn are contacting Rep. Walen and Sen. Riccelli requesting hearings.

  • WCBA currently has 18 cosponsors on HB 2115 and 8 cosponsors on SB 5894. Bills remain alive.

  • Treasurer David Anderson reported a bank balance of approximately $8,300 — sufficient to cover the $5,000 March lobbying bill.

  • Craig is investigating restricted MailChimp access for Reeve to distribute newsletters efficiently.

  • Jake contacted Sen. Riccelli’s aide to ensure testimony opportunity on SB 5894.

  • Mark reported March 12th is the last day of session.

  • Coin shows continue moving out of state due to the sales tax. PNNA moved its show to Oregon. Boeing Employees Coin Club previously cancelled its Washington show.

  • Dealers are encouraged to contact legislators regarding lost sales and erroneous projections.

  • Next meeting: Wednesday, February 25th at 5:15 pm (Zoom). Invitations to be sent by Mark G.

Submitted 2/20/26 by Secretary Craig Rhyne

Present: Carolyn Beko, Bryan Geraghty, Craig Rhyne, Mark Gjurasic (lobbyist), David Anderson.

  • Continued strategy to secure sponsors for Senate Bill 5894.

  • Sen. Mark Liias met with Bryan; positive meeting.

  • Meeting with Sen. Riccelli; request for prime sponsorship.

  • Sen. Chris Gildon agreed to cosponsor.

  • Treasurer reported $6,000 in bank; Coin Cradle sent $5,000.

  • Emphasis on communicating that 45+ states have exemptions.

  • Boeing Employees Coin Club cancelled annual show due to tax.

  • Member updates to be distributed.

  • Website photos still needed for David and Bryan.

  • Upcoming meetings: Sen. Frame; Sen. Dhingra aide; Rep. Amy Walen Jan. 13, 2026.

  • Website developer: Reeve Normandia.

  • Next meeting: January 7, 2026.

Submitted 12/21/25 by Craig Rhyne

Present: Carolyn Beko, Bryan Geraghty, Craig Rhyne, Mark Gjurasic, Jake Graham, David Anderson, Chester Baldwin.

  • Rep. Amy Walen prime sponsor (House); Rep. Ed Orcutt cosponsor.

  • Meetings scheduled with Sen. Riccelli and Rep. Strom Peterson.

  • Treasurer reported $1,777 in bank; lobbying current.

  • Public outreach suggested (podcasters Glen Morgan, Sean Reynolds, Brandi Kruse; William Kirk).

  • Legislative Updates section to be added to website.

  • Next meeting: December 17.

Submitted 12/3/25 by Craig Rhyne

  • Rep. Amy Walen confirmed as prime sponsor; Rep. Ed Orcutt cosponsor.

  • Meetings planned with Sen. Riccelli and Rep. Strom Peterson.

  • Treasurer reported ~$7,000; $5,000 promised; $5,000 lobbying bill due.

  • Newsletter to include President’s photo and statement.

  • Website improvements underway.

  • Next meeting: December 3.

  • Surprise guest: Karen Feldman.

  • Website upgrades approved; $1,000 annual budget.

  • Bank balance: $600+; $5,400 incoming.

  • ACTION ALERT flyers mailed.

  • Next meeting: November 19.

  • Bank balance: $16,002.

  • Policy paper finalized.

  • Website upgrades required by Sept 26.

  • Next meeting: September 30.

  • Bank balance: $5,210.

  • Two new dealers joined at $1,400 each.

  • Policy paper in progress.

  • Next meeting: September 17.

  • Bank balance: $2,410.99.

  • Invitation to join WCBA approved.

  • Next meeting: August 20.

  • Carolyn Beko confirmed President.

  • Articles of Incorporation filed.

  • Bylaws approved.

  • EIN and bank account established.

  • Monthly Zoom meetings approved.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewery, Tacoma

  • WCBA reinstated after emergency fundraising.

  • Lobby Washington hired.

  • Suggested dues approved.

  • Monthly meetings approved.